Fishing in rivers is a rewarding and exciting experience, especially for beginners. Whether you’re fishing for bass, trout, or walleye, choosing the right fishing lure is essential to your success. Among the many types of lures available, crankbaits stand out as one of the most effective tools for beginners. Crankbaits are easy to use, versatile, and highly effective in rivers. In this guide, we’ll explore the best-rated crankbait fishing lures for beginners in rivers, how they work, and how to use them to increase your chances of a successful catch.
What is a Crankbait Fishing Lure?
A crankbait is a type of hard-bodied lure with a plastic or wooden body, a diving lip (or bill), and a hook. When retrieved through the water, the lip causes the lure to dive and produce a wobbling or rolling action, mimicking a distressed baitfish or prey. Crankbaits are designed to work at specific depths, with variations in lip size and shape that affect how deep the lure dives and how it behaves in the water.
Crankbaits are typically available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them suitable for catching different species in various water conditions. Their simple design makes them easy to use, which is why they are ideal for beginner anglers.
Why Choose Crankbaits for River Fishing?
Crankbaits are a great choice for river fishing, especially for beginners, for several reasons:
Ease of Use: Crankbaits are simple to use, making them an ideal choice for anglers just starting out. The basic technique of casting and retrieving is easy to learn, and the lure does most of the work as it dives and creates a natural, fish-attracting movement.
Effective for Various Fish Species: Crankbaits can be used to target a wide range of river fish, including bass, walleye, trout, and pike. Their ability to mimic the movement of prey makes them irresistible to these predatory species.
Versatility: Crankbaits are versatile and can be used in various water conditions, including fast-flowing rivers, deep pools, and shallow eddies. The different lip shapes and sizes allow anglers to choose a crankbait that fits the water depth and current speed they are fishing in.
Attracts Fish at Different Depths: Crankbaits come in shallow-diving, medium-diving, and deep-diving options, allowing you to target fish at various depths. This versatility makes them perfect for river fishing, where fish may be at different depths depending on the time of day, weather, and water conditions.
Long-Lasting and Durable: Crankbaits are made from high-quality materials, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of river fishing. They’re built to endure the challenges posed by submerged rocks, debris, and strong currents.
Key Features to Look for in Crankbait Lures
When choosing a crankbait for river fishing, especially as a beginner, there are several factors to consider to ensure you select a high-quality and effective lure. Here are the key features to look for:
Lip Design and Size: The lip (or bill) of a crankbait is responsible for its diving action and the depth it reaches. A larger lip will cause the crankbait to dive deeper, while a smaller lip allows the lure to remain closer to the surface. Choose a crankbait with the right lip design to match the fishing conditions of the river.
Body Shape: Crankbaits come in various shapes, such as slender, wide-bodied, or square-bill designs. Slender bodies are great for imitating small baitfish, while wider bodies produce a larger profile and more vibration. Square-bill crankbaits are particularly effective for fishing around cover like rocks or logs.
Color and Finish: The color of your crankbait should reflect the local prey species in the river and the water conditions. For clear water, natural colors like silver, green, and brown work best, while brighter colors such as chartreuse, orange, and yellow are ideal for murkier waters.
Hook Quality: Ensure the crankbait is equipped with sharp, corrosion-resistant hooks. A strong hook is essential for securing a catch, especially in river currents where fish are more likely to fight hard once hooked.
Material Durability: Crankbaits are made from various materials, including plastic and wood. While plastic crankbaits tend to be lighter and more durable, wooden crankbaits often provide a more natural, subtle movement. Both types have their advantages, but for beginners, a durable plastic crankbait is often the best option.
Best Crankbait Fishing Lures for Beginners in Rivers
Here are some of the top-rated crankbait fishing lures that are perfect for beginners fishing in rivers:
1. Lurebolt Crankbait Series
Lurebolt offers a premium selection of crankbaits that are designed to perform well in river conditions. These crankbaits feature a durable plastic body, a realistic finish, and high-quality hooks. Available in a range of sizes and colors, Lurebolt’s crankbaits are perfect for targeting bass, trout, and other river fish.
Best for: Bass, trout, pike
Size options: 2-3 inches
Colors: Silver, green pumpkin, chartreuse, brown
Features: Durable construction, sharp hooks, realistic action
Action: Moderate to fast wobble with realistic swimming motion
2. Rapala Original Floater
The Rapala Original Floater is one of the most versatile crankbaits available, ideal for both river and lake fishing. Its natural baitfish profile and slow-wobbling action make it effective for catching a variety of fish species, especially in shallow river waters.
Best for: Bass, trout, walleye
Size options: 2.75 inches, 3.5 inches
Colors: Silver, gold, black, red
Features: Floating design, durable construction, versatile action
Action: Slow wobble with subtle flash, ideal for shallow waters
3. Heddon Super Spook Jr.
While the Heddon Super Spook Jr. is known for its topwater performance, it can also be effective as a crankbait, especially for beginners who want a lure that can be used in a variety of conditions. Its design produces an attractive rolling motion that mimics struggling baitfish in the water.
Best for: Bass, pike, trout
Size options: 3 inches
Colors: Bone, silver, black, chartreuse
Features: High-quality construction, versatile action
Action: Rolling action with surface flash and subtle vibration
4. Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait
The Strike King KVD Square Bill Crankbait is a popular choice for fishing in rivers with lots of structure, such as rocks and submerged timber. Its square bill design allows it to deflect off objects, preventing snags and making it perfect for casting around rocks and other river features.
Best for: Bass, pike, walleye
Size options: 2-3 inches
Colors: Bluegill, chartreuse, brown, black
Features: Square bill for deflecting off obstacles, sharp hooks
Action: Tight wobble with excellent deflection off structure
How to Use Crankbaits in Rivers
Using crankbaits in rivers is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key techniques to ensure you’re fishing effectively:
Casting and Retrieval: Cast your crankbait upstream or across the current, allowing it to dive to the desired depth. Retrieve the crankbait with a steady, medium-speed retrieve. Vary the speed depending on the water conditions and the behavior of the fish. If you’re fishing in a deep river, try a slower retrieve to keep the crankbait at the right depth.
Using the Right Depth: Choose a crankbait with the appropriate lip design to match the depth at which fish are feeding. For shallow rivers, use crankbaits with a smaller lip, while deeper rivers may require larger lips to reach greater depths.
Target Key Areas: Focus your casts around structures such as submerged rocks, fallen trees, and eddies. Fish tend to hide around these areas, waiting to ambush prey. Crankbaits are perfect for covering a lot of ground and drawing fish out of hiding.
Change Up Your Retrieve: Occasionally pause or twitch the crankbait during your retrieval to mimic the erratic movements of struggling baitfish. This can trigger a bite from more cautious fish.
Fish During Key Times: Early mornings and late evenings are often the best times for using crankbaits in rivers, as fish are more actively feeding near the surface.
Conclusion
Crankbait fishing lures are a fantastic option for beginners fishing in rivers. Their ease of use, versatility, and effectiveness in attracting various fish species make them a must-have in any angler’s tackle box. By selecting the right crankbait, using proper techniques, and targeting the right areas, you can significantly increase your chances of landing your next big catch.
For top-rated crankbaits and other fishing lures, visit Lurebolt.com to find affordable, high-quality lures designed to help you succeed in river fishing.